The Blues aren't doing that. The two players you tossed in are of zero interest, and Binnington is definitely worth more to them than sliding up six spots.

Unless someone they really really like I doubt they move Binnington to move up 6 spots

NJ would have to send Allen so STL has someone to team up w/ Hofer. Maybe also a 2nd to even the value proposition.

The Blues don't need Snake back, they have Zherenko coming soon enough and can just grab a cheap UFA to stand in for a half season or so, if that.

Allen would be under 2m for you for one year. Habs are eating half on him. Are you signing a UFA you trust to play 35-40 games for less than that? Also, NJ would need to send a salary back, or you'd have to retain on Binnington. Zherenko won't be up in time to matter.

Zherenko will be up the first sign of an injury. Might have been last season, but there was never any need. I'm now doubting the Devils deal #10 anyway.

If the Blues think they can move on from Binnington, I’d imagine they’d be confident Hofer could shoulder a full starters load. Factor in I’d imagine they’d want to see what they have in Zherenko as well and the quality of the second piece of the tandem isn’t a large need. I don’t think they’d be willing to bet that much on Hofer yet. After next season I’d imagine there would be a serious consideration.

Both teams decline. Also Clarke has so much potential with his shots he truly does have one of the best shots, arguably better then Jasper Bratt.

And he'd continue to be the #3, ready in case of injury. Probably more likely he'll be ready for 25-26 than next year.



You do have a point. I don't think this deal actually happens; I'm just saying if it does, it's better for both the Blues and Devils if Allen's going to the Blues. NJ to dump the salary and clear the crease, as Daws can back up, and the Blues to have a buffer, so they're not rushing in Zherenko or whoever else before they're ready.

At this point, I wouldn't give Hofer 60 games. Can he handle that in 25-26? Maybe.



Clarke has some talent, but he'll never be a superstar. He'll be a middle six winger at best, and the value proposition is not quite enough to be even. Leave him in the deal, but turn the other nobody into someone who at least has a shot of becoming an NHL player.

If Clarke's shot is so great, how come he's not an NHL regular yet, then?